High Holy Days

WATCH: Thousands gather at Western Wall for selichot prayers as 'Post' observes Yom Kippur

The Jerusalem Post will temporarily pause news coverage to observe Yom Kippur. We wish all our readers a gmar hatima tova and an easy and meaningful fast.

Thousands of Jews gather for selichot prayer services at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem, ahead of Yom Kippur, September 15, 2026
On the eve of Yom Kippur (Prayer). Artist Jakub Weinles (1870–1935)

Far from the Holy of Holies: How did ancient Jews observe Yom Kippur 2,000 years ago?

The opening of Keith Siegel pancake house, a former Israeli hostage, at Sarona market in Tel Aviv, March 26, 2025.

Taking decisions in both hands: Ex-hostages Keith, Aviva Siegel find new meaning in Yom Kippur

People form a circle and walk on the empty streets in Tel Aviv, on the eve of Yom Kippur, September 24, 2023

An American perspective: Why Yom Kippur still brings Jews together, even without belief - opinion


AI, pluralism and Israel: What North American rabbis spoke about in their High Holiday sermons

Excerpts from and links to sermons from across North America and the range of Jewish denominations.

 Hundreds of people pray at the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue in Porto on Yom Kippur (The photograph was taken from a surveillance camera).

High Holy Days: A fresh start, change of heart in this sacred season - opinion

These Days of Awe offer an opportunity for a fresh start, an opportunity to escape all of the distracting noise in this world, and a chance to see the light and blessings around us.

 FAINA RECEIVES food and support for the holidays.

God is against cancel culture - opinion

Just as we hope that God will forgive us and grant us atonement during the High Holy Days, we must personally reject the unforgiving insidious practice of cancel culture.

 THE MASSES gather at the Western Wall for prayers of forgiveness before Yom Kippur, last year. Forgiveness is a concept that is foreign to those who embrace cancel culture, but it is a tenet of Judaism, says the writer.

Bomb threats target US synagogues during Rosh Hashanah

Bomb threats have been plaguing synagogues in the US since the summer, but all the threats on Rosh Hashanah were deemed not credible.

 NEW JERSEY police officers stand guard in front of the United Synagogue of Hoboken in New Jersey, last year.

Rosh Hashanah: Food traditions of the Jewish High Holy Days

As you plan your Rosh Hashanah meals, consider the traditions of your family, and new ones as well.

 Children picking pomegranates in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Arnona.

Rosh Hashanah: Thoughts of women during the Days of Awe

For these Yamim Noraim, we should be ever so proud as we are raised to a new peak by the women of Am Yisrael, the Nation of Israel.

 Eve

What role do women have in the Jewish High Holy Days? - opinion

With the approach of the High Holy Days, women are searching for a role that will be neither insignificant nor undervalued.

 Scales of Justice: Libra astrological sign at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Heading mindfully into the High Holy Days

Perhaps, if you haven’t already begun, this too can be your time to begin in earnest to focus on yourself, your values, and your needs.

 PICK THREE things you'd like to work on and write them down.

Jews must prepare for High Holidays bomb threats, security experts warn

Ahead of the High Holidays, when sanctuaries see their highest attendance of the year, synagogues need to review security procedures in order to avoid panic

 ‘IN OSLO, Norway, it was only walking past that allowed me to see the Oslo Synagogue at all. And, merely walking by, I was approached by a security guard who wanted to know what I was doing there,’ says the writer.

Armed guards posted at all Jerusalem synagogues amid rising terror

Every synagogue in Jerusalem will have armed security guards for the upcoming High Holy Days due to an uptick in terror attacks.

 POLICE PATROL outside al-Aqsa Mosque amid clashes in the area this week.